Feeding a bitch during her gestation period

wopet wopet

Posted on October 07 2018

The pregnant bitch does not eat anymore just for herself.She also feeds on puppies she wears, which obviously affects her dietary needs.How do they evolve and how to satisfy them?Here are some tips to help you.

Duringgestation,the bitch sees hernutritional needsevolve dramatically.If his diet does not change significantly during the first weeks, it becomes quite different as thebirthapproaches.

The needs of the future mother become much more important in terms ofquantity, but also, and above all,quality.His teacher must give himmeals adaptedto his needs by providing him with the adequate doses and nutrients that his body and fetuses demand.

Needs that are evolving rapidly

In the pregnant bitch, there are no noticeable changes in feeding behavior during thefirst phaseof gestation.The first few weeks, she eats the same amount of food as usual.In the initial month, it is estimated that the needs increase only 1.2 times on average, which does not constitute a great upheaval.

After this point, thingsevolve much more quickly.As the end of pregnancy approaches, the amount of food neededincreases.In the last two weeks, the dog'sweight has increased by 15 to 25%as a result offetalgrowthand increased consumption.

Quantity AND quality

Care must be taken not to upset the brat's eating habits during the first 5 weeks of gestation.If excessive amounts of food are given, the expectant mother is likely to beoverweightand have difficulty ingivingbirth.

After the6th week, the needs are rising sharply.The pregnant bitch 's body claims moreprotein,energyandmineralsto properly meet her own needs and support fetal development.

But, at the same time, the stomach has less and less space, because the uterus gains in volume at its expense, as the puppies grow.

It is therefore best to give him adrydiet,concentratedand easier todigest, divided intoseveral small meals.Mostknownbrands ofcroquettesoffer specially designed products for the gestation period, with appropriate intakes.

Manage the food transition

If the dog is not accustomed to dry food before, it would be better to make adietary transitionto the 10th week in order not to upset his digestive system and prevent him associated discomforts (diarrhea, for example).It must also be ensured that she can drink enough, leaving her bowl of water available at all times and changing the contents regularly.

If the dog continues to receivehome-made food, rations must be at least 30% dry matter.Eggs, meat, offal and dairy products such as goat cheese are well stocked.It is also necessary to ensure good intake of calories and minerals, found in fats and vegetables respectively.

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